“They have nicknamed themselves The Elders,” said Landry. “They’re looking really good but they’re nervous as well. I’m sure that come Friday and Saturday those nerves will have calmed down a little bit.”

Felicia Landry, a former Aerials competitor, is helping coach on a full-time basis this season.

“She’s here two or three nights a week. That’s made a big difference,” said Landry. “We have a huge group, so having her has been wonderful, and the girls have really bonded with her.”

“It feels a lot better to have set hours instead of showing up whenever I’m available,” she said. “It helps me time-manage better and it gives me a break from school. I can’t be thinking about school when I’m here.”

Michelle says it’s a good feeling to be getting the competitive season under way.

“It will be nice to see what the girls can do and see what they need to come back and work on.”